Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards) Dear Prospective Student, We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on December 1. We await your owl to the Sorting Hat by no later than Friday, November 12th. Yours sincerely, Minerva McGonagall Deputy Headmistress

In which HOUSE do you BELONG??

You might belong in Gryffindor, Where dwell the brave at heart, Their daring, nerve and chivalry Set Gryffindors apart

You might belong in Hufflepuff, Where they are just and loyal, Those patient Hufflepuffs are true And unafraid of toil

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw, If you've a ready mind, Where those of wit and learning, Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin You'll make your real friends, Those cunning folk use any means To achieve their ends.

Assignment: Writing to The Sorting Hat

For this assignment, you will all choose a house that you want to be part of: Gryffindor Hufflepuff Ravenclaw Slytherin From there, you will each write a formal letter to the Sorting Hat, explaining why you should be in that house. It will need to have the required headings, three reasons, and at least five paragraphs.

Example

Formal Letter Format! All parts of the letter are started at the left margin. The body of the letter is single spaced, with one line left between each paragraph. The paragraphs are not indented.

Formal Letter Format! The first part is YOUR name and address Next is the date Then the address of whoever you are writing to. The Salutation comes before the letter End with “Sincerely” and your name, both printed and written.

Introduction Paragraph State the PURPOSE of your letter. Include a brief PERSONAL STATEMENT or ANECDOTE. Develop a THESIS STATEMENT that “catalogs” your THREE REASONS Ask for consideration

Body Paragraphs! Restate each reason as its own paragraph. Use quotes to support your reasons Use anecdotes to support your reasons. Use strong transition words

Conclusion Start with a “closing phrase”. Restate your purpose. Restate your three reasons. Thank your audience.

Review of Requirements Correct headings and format A minimum of three reasons you belong in your chosen house A paragraph explaining each of your three reasons. Introduction and conclusion paragraphs You will complete a rough draft first, then have someone check it over for mistakes. Your final draft will be in PEN!

See you at the sorting ceremony!